Locking leash and collar system

ABSTRACT

A locking system for pets. The system includes a locking leash assembly comprising a leash with a pet-securing region and a handle region. The handle region is adapted to be held by a user. The pet-securing region includes a lock assembly having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration the lock assembly is adapted to secure together spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region, thus defining a closed perimeter. The closed perimeter is sized to extend around a portion of a pet and configured to prevent removal of the leash from the pet. The lock assembly in the unlocked configuration is adapted to permit the release of the spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region. In some embodiments, the leash includes a coupling structure adapted to be removably interlocked to a pet collar.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/669,085, which was filed on Sep. 25, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,269,777, is entitled “Locking Leash and Collar System,” and thecomplete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to pet leashes, and moreparticularly to locking pet leashes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pet owners often use leashes when walking their pets. One end of theleash is connected to the pet's collar or harness, the other is held bythe user. Frequently, the pet owner desires to temporarily connect theleash to a fixed object such as a post or a tree, so that the pet can beleft restrained and unattended.

In recent years the theft of pets has increased. As a result of petthefts the need has arisen for a device that can be used to secure a petto a fixed object and prevent unauthorized removal. The conventionalleash is not suited to the task because any person, authorized or not,can easily remove it from the pet, and take the pet away from the fixedobject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a locking system for pets. The systemincludes a locking leash assembly comprising a leash with a pet-securingregion and a handle region. The pet-securing region includes a lockassembly having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. Inthe locked configuration, the lock assembly is adapted to securetogether spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region, thus defininga closed perimeter. The closed perimeter is sized to extend around aportion of a pet and configured to prevent removal of the leash from thepet. The lock assembly in the unlocked configuration is adapted topermit the release of the spaced-apart portions of the pet-securingregion. In some embodiments, the leash includes a coupling structureadapted to be removably interlocked to a pet collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a locking leash assembly according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the leash assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the leashassembly shown inside box A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the lock mechanismof FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of another embodimentof a locking leash assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lock assemblyaccording to the present invention in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the lock assembly of FIG. 6 in a lockedconfiguration.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of alocking leash assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the locking leash assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of alocking leash assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the locking leash assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a lock assembly that does not clamparound the leash.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ribbed compression clip lock.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the ribbed compression clip lock of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of anotherembodiment of a locking leash according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of anotherembodiment of a locking leash according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an exploded fragmentary view of another embodiment of alocking leash according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment with a pet collar and alock assembly securing the collar in place.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the leash secured to a post and the petcollar and both the leash and pet collar locked in place by a lockassembly.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of the collar, leash, and lockassembly locked together.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lock assemblyaccording to the present invention, shown in the locked configuration.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the lock assembly of FIG. 21, shown inthe unlocked configuration.

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lock assembly of FIG.21.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary isometric view of another locking leashassembly constructed according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of another locking leash assembly constructedaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of the locking leash assembly of FIG.25.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of another lock assembly constructedaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of another lock assembly constructedaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF THEINVENTION

A locking system for pets constructed according to the present inventionis shown in FIG. 1 and generally indicated at 10. Locking system 10includes an elongate leash 12 having a pet-securing region 14 shownwithin dashed box A of FIG. 1, and a handle region 16 shown withindashed box B of FIG. 1. As shown, the locking system is attached to apet 18 with a coupling structure 20. In FIG. 1, pet 18 is a dog. Itshould be understood that locking system 10 may be made to accommodatepets of varying sizes and types including all species of domesticatedand other animals.

Leash 12 can be made of any suitable material. Examples of suitablematerials include, but should not be limited to, nylon web, leather,textiles, metallic material and combinations thereof. Leash 12 isflexible and preferably incorporates a reinforcing structure, such asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9. The reinforcing structure is incorporatedto prevent the leash from being severed, such as with a knife or othercutting tool. The reinforcing structure can be any suitable material,such as a high strength polymer, a composite, or a metallic materialthat resists cutting. The reinforcing structure 32 of FIG. 2 is showngenerally as a pair of cables 33 extending the length of leash 12. Itshould be understood that reinforcing structure 32 may be a single cableor multiple cables. Cables 33 can be made of any suitable material thatresists or prevents severing. The reinforcing structure can also beconfigured as a layer of material that resists cutting as shown at 332in FIG. 9. It should be understood that reinforcing structure 332 may bea single layer of sever resistant material or multiple layers of severresistant material.

In FIG. 1, pet-securing region 14 is located within dashed box A andhandle region 16 is located within dashed box B. The handle region istypically configured as a handle 22 formed from a segment of elongateleash 12 closed into a loop located at a first end, or upper end, 23. Asshown, the closed loop of handle 22 is secured back on itself. It shouldbe understood that handle 22 may take any suitable form and structuresufficient to provide a user-grippable region to hold the leash while inuse, such as molded handles, handles that incorporate a recoilmechanism, and handles that are separately formed and subsequentlysecured to end 23 of leash 12.

In FIG. 3, an illustrative embodiment of pet-securing region 14 is shownin detail. The pet-securing region includes a lower, or free end region,28, a coupling structure 20, and a lock assembly 30. Free end region 28is the end region of elongate leash 12 distal handle region 16. Couplingstructure 20 is attached to free end region 28, and is adapted toreleasably couple to a portion of the pet's collar 24, such as ring 29,which is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, collar 24 is a conventional collardesigned to extend around a pet's neck. It may also include a harnessdesigned to secure around the torso of a pet, or any other suitablemeans for restraining a pet.

Coupling structure 20 may be any suitable mechanism for selectivelyengaging and disengaging leash 12 to the pet's collar 24 without lockingthe leash to the collar. By “locking,” it is meant that a key element isrequired to separate the joined portions from a locked configuration, asopposed to “releasably coupling,” in which no key element is required. Akey element is a device, or proprietary information that preventsunauthorized removal or opening of a “locking” mechanism. The keyelement could be said to provide only limited access or authority toopen the lock assembly; by contrast anyone, authorized or not, canseparate joined portions from a releasably coupled configuration.

As shown, in FIGS. 1 and 3, coupling structure 20 is a spring biasedclip. As shown in FIG. 3, the clip includes a sliding retention pin 25,a finger tab 19 operatively linked to the retention pin, and a C-shapedretention loop 21 adapted to cooperate with the retention pin to form aclosed retention loop. The sliding retention pin 25 is biased toward theC-shaped retention loop 21 by a spring (not shown), forming a closedloop. The user opens the closed loop by sliding finger tab 19 away fromretention loop 21. Finger tab 19 is operatively linked to retention pin25 such that when finger tab 19 moves away from retention loop 21,retention pin 25 also moves away from retention loop 21. When retentionpin 25 moves away from retention loop 21 an opening is provided whichthe user can use to hook the retention loop around an attachment point.The attachment point can be any suitable structure sized to fit withinthe retention loop. As shown in FIG. 1, the attachment point is a ringindicated at 29.

It should be understood that any other suitable mechanism for releasablycoupling leash 12 to collar 24 may be used, including, but not limitedto, different spring biased clip structures, unbiased clips, and snaplock type mechanisms. It should also be understood that leash 12 may beformed without coupling structure 20. However, inclusion of couplingstructure 20 may be preferred so that the leash may be selectivelycoupled to collar 24 without utilizing the subsequently described lockassembly. Coupling structure 20 typically is independent of, or at leastindependently operable from, the subsequently described lock assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, spaced-apart portions 26 and 27 ofpet-securing region 14 are shown locked together by lock assembly 30.Locking system 10 allows a pet owner to effectively lock leash 12 totheir pet. This is achieved by encircling a portion of the pet, such asthe pet's neck or torso, with a defined closed loop 31 of sufficientcircumference to prevent the encircled portion of the pet from beingremoved therefrom. As shown, loop 31 is formed by coiling thepet-securing region 14 back onto itself, lining up spaced-apart portions26 and 27, and securing them together with lock assembly 30. Portions 26and 27 may be defined locations on the leash, or may be selected by theuser from a plurality of possible portions along the length of region 14such as to vary with the perimeter of the portion of the pet to beencircled.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 3, the spaced-apart portions include atleast one aperture 36 located on each of the spaced-apart portions 26and 27. More preferably, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes aplurality of apertures 36 along at least one of the spaced-apartportions 26 and 27. As shown, the apertures are reinforced by grommets34. The plurality of apertures 36 are spaced along one or both of thespaced-apart portions 26 and 27 of the pet-securing region 14 in orderto allow the coiled loop formed when the two spaced-apart portions aresecured together to vary in perimeter, thereby accommodating pets havingvarying sizes of necks or other body portions to be encircled by theleash.

Alternative structures to apertures 36 may be incorporated to preventlateral movement of the spaced-apart portions of pet-securing region 14.For example, pet-securing region 14 may include at least one nestingsurface that is adapted to mechanically prevent lateral movement ofspaced-apart portions relative to each other when biased together.

An illustrative example of such a nesting surface is shown in FIG. 5, inwhich upper and lower nesting surfaces are indicated respectively at 138and 139. The nesting surfaces include a plurality of interlockingstructures, such as protrusions, or ribs, 140. The nesting surfaces maybe located at discrete points along pet-securing region 14 or may becontinuous along the region. As seen in FIG. 5, the subsequentlydescribed lock assembly includes upper nesting surface 141 and lowernesting surface 143 adapted to interlock with protrusions or ribs 140,thus preventing lateral motion. Alternatively, nesting surfaces 138 and139 may be positioned to engage each other, with the lock mechanismurging the surfaces together to prevent translation thereof along thelength of the leash.

The operation of the lock assembly will best be understood by adescription of the elements that comprise the lock assembly and howthese elements interact. The lock assembly described herein refersgenerally to the portion of the locking system 10 that secures thespaced-apart portions 26 and 27 together. The lock assembly is thegeneric term to refer to all of the various structures and elements thatwork together to lock the present invention to the pet. Lock assembly 30may include any suitable lock structure. FIGS. 4-14 illustratenonlimiting examples of different embodiments of suitable lockstructures. Each of the embodiments includes a key structure, a keyelement, and can be selectively reconfigured from a locked configurationto an unlocked configuration when the key element cooperates with thekey structure.

The lock structure, as used herein, refers to the structural elementsthat hold the spaced-apart portions 26 and 27 of securing region 14together. The lock structure contains a means for biasing together thespaced-apart portions. The lock structure may include a clamp, a loop, aretention pin, or any other suitable structure that can be used tosecure spaced-apart portions together.

The key structure is that portion of the lock assembly that enables thelock assembly to reconfigure from a locked to an unlocked configuration.For example, in a combination pad lock the key structure includes thecombination dial, the internal tumblers, and the retention bolt that isheld in place by the internal tumblers. In a Yale® type lock the keystructure includes the rotating cylinder, the tumbler pins, the pinrecesses, and the retention bolt. In any type of lock assembly, the keystructure includes the elements that cooperate to prevent the lockassembly from opening when in the locked configuration, and alsocooperate with the key element to reconfigure the lock assembly into theunlocked configuration.

The key element is the device, signal or proprietary information that isused to manipulate the key structure and enable the reconfiguration ofthe lock assembly from the locked to the unlocked configuration.Examples of suitable key elements include cylindrical keys, flatserrated keys, magnetic keys, combinations or proprietary information,electronic signals, and combinations thereof. Magnetic keys arestructures that manipulate tumblers inside the lock with variations inthe magnetic field. This manipulation is accomplished by holding themagnetic key in the correct position on the outer surface of the lock.Electronic signal keys are like those typically used in car locks, wherea transmitter having a button is held and activated by a user and areceiver is housed in the lock assembly and when the correct code istransmitted the lock assembly unlocks. Signal keys and lock assembliesinclude transmission and reception of RF, or other suitable signals,across the entire spectrum of frequencies and wavelengths.

As discussed, the lock structure locks the spaced-apart portions of thepet-securing region together. The lock structure may also encompass atleast a portion, or all, of the key structure. That is to say, the keystructure may be fully or partially contained within the lock structure.For example, in a combination pad lock, the lock structure would includethe U-shaped bolt that extends out of the dial housing and the topportion of the dial housing. The key structure of the combination padlock would include the outer dial, all the internal tumblers, and thenotched portion of the U-shaped bolt. Finally, the key element of thecombination pad lock is the combination itself. That is, the actualinformation the user calls upon to know at what numbers on the outerdial to reverse direction, leaving the tumblers in the proper alignmentto release the U-shaped bolt. Combination pad locks are often used ongym or school lockers.

Another example of the interaction of the various elements of a lockassembly will be helpful. Turning to a lock assembly with a Yale® typelocking system, the lock structure includes the housing knob assembly.In this system the key structure is contained entirely within the lockstructure or housing assembly. The key structure includes the rotatingcylinder having a key slot, the tumbler pins, the pin recesses, and theretention bolt. The key element in a Yale® type lock is a flat metalstructure with one or more serrated edges and/or faces. When the keyelement is inserted into the key slot, the tumbler pins are raised tothe proper height by the serrations, making it possible to rotate thecylinder and move the retention bolt. Yale® type locks are often used ondoors of houses.

Another type of lock structure is a threaded friction fit lockstructure. This type of lock structure may include a cylindrical keyelement. In this example, the lock structure may be adapted to house atleast part of the key structure. The key structure includes a rotatinghead, an internal threaded shaft, and a threaded receiver. The rotatinghead and the top of the internal threaded shaft are concentric, having acircular space between them. The internal threaded shaft and therotating head include a pattern of grooves facing the circular spacebetween them. The key element of the present lock type is a cylindricalstructure sized to fit within the circular space separating the internalthreaded shaft and the rotating head. The cylindrical structure includesraised portions adapted to fit into the grooves, thereby linking theinternal threaded shaft with the rotating head and permitting rotationof the shaft for removal from the threaded receiver. Threaded frictionfit lock structures are often used, for example, on vending machines andKRYPTONITE® bike locks.

The preceding examples should explain the workings of the lockstructure, key structure, and the key element. It should be noted thatother types of lock assemblies employing different types of lockstructures, key structures, and key elements are contemplated by thepresent invention. For example, but not limited to, a magnetic lockassembly, an electronic lock assembly, and variations of mechanicalcombination and key type lock assemblies.

Turning to FIGS. 4, 10 and 11, an embodiment of the lock assembly isshown at 30. In FIG. 4, spaced-apart portions 26 and 27 are shown abovelock assembly housing 42, which is a part of the lock structure. Atumbler portion, or rotatable head, 44 of the key structure is attachedto an internal threaded pin 46. In this embodiment, a threaded receiver47 of the key structure is incorporated into housing 42. Tumbler portion44 is rotatably mounted to threaded pin 46. Threaded pin 46 passesthrough the top of housing 42 at an aperture 43, through apertures 36 inspaced-apart portions 26 and 27, and engages threaded receiver 47 in thelower portion of housing 42. The key element of lock assembly 30includes a cylindrical key element 50 that fits within a generallycircular recess 45 and links tumbler portion 44 with threaded pin 46 sothat the pin can be removed from threaded receiver 47, unlocking lockassembly 30. It should be understood that this is an example of afriction fit type of lock structure, as previously described. Lockassembly 30 prevents the two spaced-apart portions 26 and 27 from movingrelative to one another because the threaded pin 46 passes throughapertures 36 in the spaced-apart portions. The exploded view of lockassembly 30 shown in FIG. 4 illustrates the lock assembly in theunlocked configuration.

Referring to FIG. 10, lock assembly 30 is shown in the lockedconfiguration with tumbler 44 freely rotatable about threaded pin 46such that when the tumbler is rotated, the threaded pin does not rotateand therefore cannot be removed from threaded receiver 47 of lockassembly housing 42. When key element 50 is inserted into recess 45 andturned, this turns both tumbler 44 and threaded pin 46, disengaging thethreaded pin from threaded receiver 47 and unlocking lock assembly 30. Across section of lock assembly 30 is shown in FIG. 11 in the unlockedconfiguration with tumbler 44 and threaded pin 46 removed. Receiver 47may alternatively include projections adapted to selectively engageportions of pin 46 depending upon the rotation and position of the pin.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 13 and 14, another exemplary embodiment of thelock assembly of the present invention is shown generally at 130. Thisembodiment includes a housing 142 adapted to engage and nest into thesurface regions 138 and 139 of spaced-apart portions 126 and 127. Asshown, housing 142 includes hinged portions 145, joined by a pin (notshown). Portions 126 and 127 include surface regions 138 and 139 withprotrusions, or ribs, 140 extending therefrom. Lock assembly 130prevents spaced-apart portions 126 and 127 from moving relative to oneanother by providing a clamping force that biases spaced-apart portions126 and 127 together. Additionally, housing 142 includes nestingsurfaces 141 and 143 having protrusions that nest into the protrusionsof surface regions 138 and 139. This nesting action provides amechanical interlock between housing 142 and spaced-apart portions 126and 127 that increases the effectiveness of the clamping force and, moreeffectively, prevents relative motion between the two portions.Alternatively, housing 142 may be adapted to compress protrusions onportions 126 and 127 together, without housing 142 itself includingprotrusions on surfaces 141 and 143.

Surfaces 141 and 143 interact with surfaces 138 and 139 to form amechanical interlocking friction fit that prevents the horizontalmovement of the spaced-apart portions 126 and 127, as shown in FIG. 5.The surfaces 141 and 143 nest into 138 and 139 to form the interlockingfit. Lock assembly 130 in a closed configuration and unlocked isillustrated in FIG. 13. In the closed and locked configuration of lockassembly 130, threaded pin 146 is screwed into threaded hole 147 ofhousing 142 and tumbler 144 freely rotates about threaded pin 146 sothat it cannot be unscrewed from threaded hole 147, such as shown inFIG. 14. It should be noted that other lock structures including aremovable conventional pad or key lock could be used to secure lockassembly 130 through hole 147.

While the key element shown in one embodiment of the present inventionis a cylindrical key and the key structure shown is a threaded frictionfit configuration, a tumbler pin and cylinder Yale® type key structurecould be used with a standard Yale® type key element. Other conventionallock structures may be used in place of pin 46 and tumbler 44, such as amagnetic key element with a magnetic key structure or an electronicreceiver type key structure that works in conjunction with a coded RF orother suitable signal key element to unlock the lock assembly.

Another example of a combination type lock assembly is shown in FIGS. 6and 7. Lock assembly 230 includes housing 242, tumbler assembly 244,rotating dials 245, and latch prongs 246. This embodiment employs acombination as the key element that works in conjunction with the keystructure to change the lock assembly from the locked to the unlockedconfiguration. The key structure of this embodiment comprises tumblerassembly 244, rotating dials 245, and latch prongs 246.

In the locked configuration shown in FIG. 7, latch prongs 246 areinserted into notches 247 of housing 242. Although a pair of prongs 246are shown, it is within the scope of the present invention that anynumber of prongs and notches or other suitable mating structures may beused. Mechanical retainers engage latch prongs 246, locking lockassembly 230 to prevent it from opening and releasing spaced-apartportions 26 and 27.

Rotating dials 245 are marked with any suitable indicia 270, shown inFIG. 6 as numbers. The indicia can be any distinguishing marking thatdelineates one circumferential portion of the dial from another. Forexample, indicia may include letters, images, patterns, numbers, shapes,symbols and colors or any combinations thereof The dials are rotatablymounted within housing 242 at tumbler assembly 244. Internal tumblersare actuated by rotating dials 245 from one indicia marking to the next.When indicia 270 on dials 245 are positioned to correspond to thepresent combination, the internal tumblers (not shown) release themechanical retainers engaging latch prongs 246, causing the lockassembly to unlock.

In lock assembly 230 of FIGS. 6 and 7, the key element is the actualknowledge of the combination, or correct position, of dials 245. Lockassembly 230 is shown in the closed and locked position in FIG. 7. Itshould be understood that alternative combination key structures can beused, including a combination lock with a single dial that rotatesclockwise and counter clockwise aligning three or more internaltumblers, and key pad type combination locks.

In the embodiment of housing 242 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housingincludes pin 248 that passes through apertures 36 in spaced-apartportions 26 and 27, preventing them from moving laterally relative toone another. It should be noted that the key structure of lock assembly230, namely tumbler assembly 244, rotating dials 245, and latch prongs246, can be used with the housing 142 of FIGS. 5 and 17, to engagespaced-apart portions 126 and 127 in the same manner as detailed abovewhen referring to lock assembly 130 discussing the mechanicallyinterlocking friction fit.

Another illustrative example of a suitable lock assembly is shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 at 330. Lock assembly 330 has a lock structure including ahousing 342, a retention pin 348, a circular recess 345, hinge 349, akey structure including a tumbler portion 344, a threaded pin 346, and athreaded securing hole 347. In this embodiment of the lock assembly thethreaded securing portion is located adjacent to spaced-apart portions26 and 27 and threaded pin 346 does not pass through apertures 36.Retention pin 348 passes through apertures 36 in spaced-apart portions26 and 27, preventing lateral movement. The key element of lock assembly330 is shown as a cylindrical key at 50, although any of the other keystructures and elements discussed herein may be used. As mentionedpreviously, FIG. 9 shows reinforcing structure 32 as a layer 332 ofmaterial that resists severing.

An example of a lock assembly that does not extend around spaced-apartportions of leash 12 is shown in FIG. 12 at 430. Lock assembly 430 isshown including key element 50, and a key structure. Note, in thisembodiment of the lock assembly there are no structural elements thatmake up a lock structure that are not also a part of the key structure.That is to say that in this embodiment the lock structure and the keystructure have merged. The key structure includes rotating tumbler 444,threaded locking pin 446, and threaded receiver 447. To secure lockassembly 430 to elongate leash 12, threaded receiver 447 is aligned withone of the apertures 36 of spaced-apart portion 27 of pet-securingregion 14, then key element 50 is inserted into recess 445 betweentumbler 444 and threaded locking pin 446 to lock them together, such asdiscussed above with respect to the lock assemblies shown in FIGS. 4, 10and 11. At this point, when tumbler 444 is rotated it rotates threadedlocking pin 446 to screw into threaded receiver 447 and secure lockassembly 430 in the locked configuration or unscrew threaded locking pin446 out of threaded receiver 447 into the unlocked configuration.

Turning to FIG. 15, a lock assembly is shown having a portion 42 of thelock structure integrally or fixedly attached to a spaced-apart portion27 of pet-securing region 14. The key structure includes rotatingtumbler 44, threaded locking pin 46, and threaded receiver 47. The keyelement is a cylindrical key 50 that cooperates with rotating tumbler 44and threaded locking pin 46 to unlock the lock assembly as previouslydescribed.

In FIG. 16, the lock assembly 30 is shown with portions 42 a and 42 b ofthe lock structure fixedly attached to spaced-apart portions 26 and 27,respectively. Elements of the key structure are similarly attached tospaced-apart portions 26 and 27. As shown, rotating tumbler 44 iscoupled with portion 42 a of the lock structure and fixed tospaced-apart portion 26. Also coupled with portion 42 a and extendingthrough portion 26 is threaded locking pin 46. Threaded receiver 47 isan integral part of portion 42 b and extends through spaced-apartportion 27.

Referring to FIG. 17, another embodiment of locking system 10 is shown.The lock assembly includes a lock structure similar to that describedpreviously and shown in FIGS. 5, 13 and 14, in which the lock structureincludes nesting surfaces 141 and 143 that interact with spaced-apartportions 126 and 127. Similar to the previously described ribbed methodof preventing lateral movement, portions 126 and 127 include nestingsurfaces 138 and 139, respectively. It should be noted that portions 126and 127 may include nesting surfaces on both sides for increased nestinginteraction and improved prevention of lateral movement. The keystructure incorporated in FIG. 17 operates in the same manner as the keystructure described in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, another exemplary embodiment of thelock assembly of the present invention is shown generally at 530. Thelock structure of this embodiment includes a housing 542 adapted toclamp around the spaced-apart portions 26 and 27 of the pet-securingregion, similar to the mechanism described above with reference to FIGS.6-9. As shown, a retention pin 548 passes through apertures 36 toprevent lateral movement of the spaced-apart portions. It should beunderstood that lock assembly 530 may alternatively, or additionally,include projections adapted to engage nesting surface type spaced a partportions 126 and 127 in a manner similar to that described abovereferring to FIGS. 5, 13, 14 and 17.

The key structure of this exemplary embodiment includes key elementrecess 545, rotatable tumbler button 544, retention pin 546, andretention pin is receiver 547. The key element recess 545 is located onthe tumbler button 544. Tumbler button 544 is biased out of housing 542when the lock assembly is in the unlocked configuration, as shown inFIG. 22. To use lock assembly 530, the user clasps housing 542 aroundthe spaced-apart portions of the leash to be locked together (notshown). This also aligns retention pin 546 with retention pin receiver547. As shown in FIG. 22, housing 542 includes an optional detent intowhich receiver 547 is seated when aligned with pin 546. When tumblerbutton 544 is depressed to the position shown in FIGS. 21 and 23,retention pin 546 extends into retention pin receiver 547 and the lockassembly 530 is reconfigured to its locked configuration.

Similar to the previously described lock assemblies, assembly 530includes a key element 550 that is adapted to cooperate with recess 545to reconfigure the lock assembly into the unlocked position. As shown,key element 550 is a generally planar key, however, it should beunderstood that any other suitable key element may be used. For example,a cylindrical key element, such as shown in FIG. 12, may be used, withrecess 545 being shaped to correspond to that type of key element.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-23, key element 550 is not requiredto put lock assembly 530 in the locked configuration. Instead, all thatis required is the alignment of pin 546 with receiver 547 and thedepression of button 544. To reconfigure lock assembly 530 into theunlocked configuration, key element 550 is inserted into recess 545 andthe tumbler button 544 is rotated. The rotation releases the retentionpin 546 from the retention pin receiver 547 allowing the biased tumblerbutton 544 to extend out from housing 542 thus reconfiguring the lockassembly 530 into the unlocked configuration shown in FIG. 22.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-23, the lock assemblyis removable, or separately formed, from the portions of the leash withwhich it is used. It should be understood that assembly 530 may befixedly attached to one of the spaced-apart portions, such as describedwith the lock assembly shown in FIG. 17.

In addition to the embodiments of locking system 10 that are adapted foruse with a conventional pet collar, the locking system can include alocking pet collar 60, shown in FIG. 18. Locking pet collar 60 includessizing apertures 62, optional grommets 64, optional coupling structureattachment ring 66, first end 68 and second end 70. A plurality ofsizing apertures 62 are located spaced apart at regular intervals at oneor both ends 68 and 70 of pet collar 60, and are optionally reinforcedby grommets 64. Locking collar 60 can be used with any of the lockassemblies 30, 230, 330, and 430 that are adapted for use with apertures36 of pet-securing region 14 of elongate leash 12.

It should be understood that the structure shown in FIGS. 5, 13, 14, and17 could be incorporated in one or both ends 68 and 70 of pet collar 60.The locking structure illustrated in FIGS. 5, 13, 14 and 17, would beused to cooperate with nesting surfaces located along a portion of petcollar 60 to prevent the removal of leash 12. In this embodiment, thesecuring region of leash 12 will incorporate a nesting surface similarto that shown in FIGS. 5, 13, 14 and 17. The nesting surface of thepet-securing region is aligned with the nesting surface of the petcollar and any of the lock assemblies described in FIGS. 5, 13, 14 and17 could be used to secure them together.

FIG. 18 shows locking collar 60 secured in a fixed perimeter throughapertures 36 with lock assembly 30. The perimeter size of pet collar 60is adjustable by aligning one of the apertures 62 at each end 68 and 70of the pet collar such that the perimeter is large enough to securearound a portion of a pet.

To secure elongate leash 12 to locking pet collar 60, first lockassembly 30 must be unlocked. Second, an aperture 36 on pet-securingregion 14 of elongate leash 12 is aligned over the sizing apertures 62.Locking assembly 30 is then closed and locked, securing elongate leash12 to locking pet collar 60. To accommodate this configuration lockassembly 30 must be large enough for three layers of material, as shownin FIG. 20, to fit within housing 42. The key structure of lock assembly30 includes rotating tumbler 44, threaded locking pin 46, and threadedsecuring receiver 47. The key element that cooperates with the keystructure of locking assembly 30 is a cylindrical key 50 that fits intorecess 45 to enable rotating tumbler 44 to turn threaded locking pin 46.Housing 42 and threaded locking pin 46 should be sized to accommodatethe additional layer of locking system 10 in this embodiment.Alternatively, separate lock assemblies for each function could be used.That is to say, that one lock assembly that is sized for three layerscould be used to lock the leash to the two layers of collar and anotherlock assembly could alternatively be used to lock the spaced-apartportions of the collar around the pet. As a further variation, a lockassembly could be used to lock the collar around the pet, with anotherlock assembly being used to either lock the leash to the collar or tolock spaced-apart portions of the leash around the pet. If a single lockassembly is used to accommodate the three layers, a spacer 71 may beincluded to lock the collar to the pet without locking the leash to thepet. An example of a suitable spacer is indicated in FIG. 20 at 71.

Referring generally to FIG. 1 and specifically to FIG. 19, a pet owneruses locking system 10 to secure their pet first, by unhooking couplingstructure 20 from the pet's collar. Second, leash 12 is looped aroundany suitable fixed object, such as a tree or bike rack, and then thefree end 28 is passed through handle 22. Next, the pet owner secures pet18 to leash 12. This step can be accomplished in one of two waysdepending on the type of pet collar. When used in conjunction with aconventional collar, the owner would secure pet 18 to leash 12 bycoiling pet-securing region 14 around the pet's neck or any otherportion of the pet's body such that the defined closed loop itself formsa collar that cannot be slipped off the pet. The owner then overlaps thetwo spaced-apart portions 26 and 27 and then locks them together withlock assembly 30.

Alternatively, if the pet owner uses leash 12 with a specialized collar60 shown in FIG. 18, the pet-securing region 14 can be locked directlyto specialized collar 60. Specialized collar 60 includes at least oneportion adapted to cooperate with lock assembly 30 to securepet-securing region 14 to collar 60, as shown in FIG. 19.

As discussed, handle region 16 may include a recoil mechanism. A recoilmechanism is used to selectively draw, or retract, the leash into thehandle region, thereby reducing the distance between the handle regionand the region of the leash to which the pet is secured. An illustrativeexample of a locking leash assembly that includes a handle region with arecoil mechanism is shown in FIG. 24 and generally indicated at 600. Itis within the scope of the invention that leash assembly 600 may haveany of the elements, subelements and variations as the previouslydescribed leash and lock assemblies. For the sake of brevity, each ofthose combinations and permutations are not separately illustratedherein.

Like the previously described leash assemblies, assembly 600 includes aleash 12 with a pet-securing region 14 and a handle region 16. Leashassembly 600 further includes a lock assembly, such as any of the lockassemblies described and/or illustrated herein. Similarly, leashassembly 600 may be formed with a coupling structure 20 that is adaptedto be selectively coupled to a pet's collar. Alternatively, leashassembly 600 may be formed without a coupling structure.

As shown in FIG. 24, handle region 16 includes a handle 22 and a housing602 that contains a recoil mechanism 604. Recoil mechanism 604 iscoupled to the pet-securing region of the leash, and at least a portionof the leash is selectively contained within the housing. Much like afishing reel allows the length of fishing line extending from the reelto be adjusted, the recoil mechanism allows a user to selectively adjustthe length of the leash by allowing more of the leash to be drawn out ofthe housing, or by recoiling the leash into the housing. Accordingly,mechanism 604 may include one or more user inputs 606, such as buttons,slides, levers or the like, that selectively enable a user to secure theleash in a given length, free the leash to be drawn out of the housing,or bias the leash to retract into the housing. Preferably, handle 22 andhousing 602 are formed from a material of sufficient strength that itcannot be easily broken or cut, and thereby remove the security providedby the locking leash assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the handleand housing may include a reinforcing structure 608 that increases theability of the handle and/or housing to resist or prevent being cut,broken or severed. Examples of leashes with recoil mechanisms aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,595,143, 4,796,566, 3,315,642 and2,889,807, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

In FIG. 24, pet-securing region 14 is coupled to the handle region by acable 610 that is formed from a cut-resistant material, such as steel ora high-strength polymeric material. Cable 610 is joined to pet-securingregion 14 and this intersection is covered by a reinforcing band 612. Asshown in dashed lines in FIG. 24, it is also within the scope of theinvention that the pet-securing region may be spooled within thehousing. A benefit of having cable 610 form the portion of the leashassembly that is spooled within housing 602 is that the size of thehousing may be reduced compared to a version of the leash assembly inwhich the pet-securing region is spooled within the housing. A benefitof having the pet-securing region spooled within the housing is that theleash assembly does not require cable 610 or band 612 or as manydifferent types of materials.

Another locking leash assembly constructed according to the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 and generally indicated at 620. Itis within the scope of the invention that leash assembly 620 may haveany of the elements, subelements and variations as the previouslydescribed leash and lock assemblies. As shown, assembly 620 includes aleash 12 with a pet-securing region 14, a handle region 16 with a loopedhandle 22, a coupling structure 20, and lock assembly 622. Lock assembly622 may have any of the configurations, elements, subelements andvariations discussed and illustrated herein, with reference number 622being used to collectively represent any of these previously discussedand/or illustrated lock assemblies. Coupling structure 20 is shown as areleasable clip that is adapted to releasably couple the free end region28 of the leash to a pet's collar. In the illustrated embodiment,coupling structure 20 is connected to the rest of leash assembly 620 bya swivel mount 624. Mount 624 is not required, but it enables thecoupling structure to rotate relative to the leash assembly withouttwisting the leash.

Similar to the previously discussed embodiments, leash 12 should beformed from, or include, a cut-resistant material, and may includereinforcing structure 32, such as cables, or reinforcing strips 33formed from metal or another cut-resistant material. Leash 12 may alsoinclude reinforcing structure 32 in the form of reinforcing bands 626that provide a cut-resistant cover to regions where portions of theleash are stitched or otherwise secured together, such as to form loopsat free end 28 and at handle region 16.

In FIGS. 25 and 26, lock assembly 622 is shown in solid lines mounted onan aperture 36′ that is spaced-apart from a plurality of apertures 36extending along the pet-securing region generally toward handle region16. Aperture 36′ forms one of spaced-apart portions 26 and 27, with aselected on of the other apertures forming the other of the spaced-apartportions. Generally a distance of at least 6 inches between aperture 36′and the closest of apertures 36 has proven sufficient, with spacings of9″, 12″ or more being acceptable depending upon the size of pet withwhich leash assembly 620 is designed to be used. It should be understoodthat any selected spacing may be used, including having all of theapertures forming portions 26 and 27 being equally spaced along theleash in selected intervals, such as ½″, ¾″, 1″ intervals. Also shown inFIGS. 25 and 26 is an aperture 36″ that is positioned near handle region16. Aperture 36″ provides a mount upon which lock assembly 622 may besecured when it is not being used to lock portions 26 and 27 together orto lock the leash assembly to a pet's collar. Because aperture 36″ isspaced relatively far away from free end region 28, it provides amounting location where the lock assembly is not likely to strike thepet when the leash assembly is used, such as when walking or runningwith the pet.

In FIG. 26, a strap 628 is shown and generally indicated in dashed linesextending from spaced-apart positions along leash 12 on opposed sides ofapertures 36. Strap 628 provides a guide or carrier along which lockassembly 622 may be slidably mounted. Strap 628 may also be described asbeing connected to the leash at first and second positions between whichat least a plurality, if not all, of the apertures extend. Strap 628 mayadditionally or alternatively be connected to spaced-apart regions ofthe pet-securing region, or may extend from the spaced-apart portions ofthe leash bounding the pet-securing region. Although strap 628 is notrequired, it couples the lock assembly to the leash assembly, therebyeliminating the possibility that the lock assembly will be misplaced.Strap 628 defines a slidable range of positions for the lock assemblythat spans apertures 36, and therefore does not limit the user'sselection of portions 26 and 27.

In FIG. 27, an example of a lock assembly 630 that is adapted toslidably mounted on strap 628 is shown. Lock assembly 630 includes apair of guides 632 through which strap 628 extends. It should beunderstood that lock assembly 630 may take the form of any of the lockassemblies described and/or illustrated herein. In FIG. 28, a lockassembly 640 is illustrated that is designed to be slidably mounted onpet-securing region 14. As shown, mechanism 640 includes a plurality ofslots 644 through which leash 12 is threaded.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multipledistinct inventions with independent utility. While each of theseinventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Thesubject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where theclaims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, suchclaims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more suchelements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certaincombinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of thedisclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodiedin other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of thepresent claims or presentation of new claims in this or a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to adifferent invention or directed to the same invention, whetherdifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are also regarded as included within the subject matter of theinventions of the present disclosure.

We claim:
 1. A locking system for pets, the system comprising: anelongate leash with a pet-securing region and a handle region, whereinthe pet-securing region includes a coupling structure adapted to bereleasably coupled to a pet collar, wherein the handle region includes ahandle that is adapted to be held by a user and a body with a recoilmechanism that is adapted to selectively draw the leash into the body;and a lock assembly having a locked configuration and an unlockedconfiguration, wherein in the locked configuration the lock assembly isadapted to lock together spaced-apart portions of the pet-securingregion to define a closed perimeter sized to extend around a portion ofa pet and configured to prevent removal, wherein in the unlockedconfiguration the lock assembly is adapted to permit release of thespaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region, and further whereinthe coupling structure is independently operable from the lock assembly.2. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the elongate leashincludes a first end region that includes the handle region and a secondend region that includes the coupling structure.
 3. The locking systemaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of the spaced-apart portionsincludes an aperture through which a portion of the lock assemblyextends.
 4. The locking system according to claim 3, wherein at leastone of the spaced-apart portions includes a plurality of spaced-apartapertures.
 5. The locking system according to claim 4, wherein theplurality of spaced-apart apertures extend along the length of thepet-securing region to define a plurality of differently sized closedperimeters.
 6. The locking system according to claim 3, wherein aportion of the lock assembly is fixedly attached to the pet-securingregion of the leash.
 7. The locking system according to claim 3, whereinthe lock assembly is fixedly attached to the pet-securing region of theleash.
 8. The locking system according to claim 3, wherein the lockassembly is adapted to be selectively removable from the leash.
 9. Thelocking system according to claim 3 wherein the lock assembly furthercomprises a key structure adapted to cooperate with a key element whichenables the lock assembly to change from the locked to the unlockedconfiguration.
 10. The locking system according to claim 9, wherein thekey structure includes at least one tumbler adapted to cooperate withthe key element which enables the lock assembly to be selectivelychanged between the locked and unlocked configuration.
 11. The lockingsystem according to claim 9, wherein the key element of the keystructure is adapted to be selectively removed from the key structure.12. The locking system according to claim 9, wherein the key structurefurther comprises a plurality of rotatable dials with indicia thereonand interior notches that when aligned place the lock assembly in theunlocked configuration.
 13. The locking system according to claim 1,wherein the handle region is formed from a cut-resistant material. 14.The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the handle regionincludes reinforcing structure adapted to resist cutting or separationof the handle region from the leash.
 15. The locking system according toclaim 1, wherein the lock assembly is adapted to clamp around thespaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region.
 16. The locking systemaccording to claim 15, wherein the lock assembly is adapted to biastogether the spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region to providea friction fit preventing translational movement.
 17. The locking systemaccording to claim 16, further including a nesting surface structure oneach of the spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region.
 18. Thelocking system according to claim 17, wherein the nesting surfacestructure includes a plurality of interlocking protrusions.
 19. Thelocking system according to claim 1, wherein the leash includes areinforcing structure adapted to prevent severing of the leash.
 20. Thelocking system according to claim 19, wherein the reinforcing structureincludes at least one metallic cable.
 21. The locking system accordingto claim 19, wherein the reinforcing structure includes at least onelayer of high strength polymeric material.
 22. The locking systemaccording to claim 15, wherein the lock assembly further comprises a keystructure adapted to cooperate with a key element which enables the lockassembly to change from the locked to the unlocked configuration. 23.The locking system according to claim 22, wherein the key element of thekey structure is adapted to be selectively removed from the keystructure.
 24. The locking system according to claim 22, wherein the keystructure includes at least one tumbler adapted to cooperate with thekey element which enables the lock assembly to be selectively changedbetween the locked and unlocked configuration.
 25. The locking systemaccording to claim 22, wherein the key structure further comprises aplurality of rotatable dials with indicia thereon and interior notchesthat when aligned place the lock assembly in the unlocked configuration.26. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein the couplingstructure includes a spring-biased clip.
 27. The locking systemaccording to claim 26, wherein the clip is rotatably mounted on theleash.
 28. A locking system for pets, the system comprising: an elongateleash with a pet-securing region and a handle region; and a lockassembly having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration,wherein in the locked configuration the lock assembly is adapted to locktogether spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region to define aclosed perimeter sized to extend around a portion of a pet andconfigured to prevent removal, wherein in the unlocked configuration thelock assembly is adapted to permit release of the spaced-apart portionsof the pet-securing region, and further wherein the lock assembly isslidably mounted on the pet-securing region.
 29. The locking systemaccording to claim 28, wherein the lock assembly is slidably mounted onthe pet-securing region.
 30. The locking system according to claim 29,wherein the lock assembly includes a body portion with a plurality ofslots through which the pet-securing region extends.
 31. The lockingsystem according to claim 29, wherein the leash includes a strapconnected to the leash at spaced-apart regions between which at leastone of the spaced-apart portions extends, and further wherein the lockassembly is slidably mounted on the strap.
 32. The locking systemaccording to claim 31, wherein both of the spaced-apart portions extendbetween the spaced-apart regions.
 33. The locking system according toclaim 31, wherein the spaced-apart regions bound the pet-securingregion.
 34. The locking system according to claim 28, wherein the leashfurther includes a coupling structure adapted to be releasably coupledto a pet collar.
 35. The locking system according to claim 34, whereinthe coupling structure is independently operable from the lock assembly.36. The locking system according to claim 28, wherein the handle regionincludes a handle that is adapted to be held by a user and a body with arecoil mechanism that is adapted to selectively draw the leash into thebody.
 37. The locking system according to claim 36, wherein the recoilmechanism includes at least one user input on the body through which auser may selectively actuate or release the recoil mechanism.
 38. Thelocking system according to claim 28 wherein the lock assembly furthercomprises a key structure adapted to cooperate with a key element whichenables the lock assembly to change from the locked to the unlockedconfiguration.
 39. The locking system according to claim 38, wherein thekey structure includes at least one tumbler adapted to cooperate withthe key element which enables the lock assembly to be selectivelychanged between the locked and unlocked configuration.
 40. The lockingsystem according to claim 38, wherein the key element of the keystructure is adapted to be selectively removed from the key structure.41. The locking system according to claim 38, wherein the key structurefurther comprises a plurality of rotatable dials with indicia thereonand interior notches that when aligned place the lock assembly in theunlocked configuration.
 42. The locking system according to claim 38,wherein at least one of the spaced-apart portions includes a pluralityof spaced-apart apertures.
 43. The locking system according to claim 42,wherein the plurality of spaced-apart apertures extend along the lengthof the pet-securing region to define a plurality of differently sizedclosed perimeters.
 44. The locking system according to claim 38, whereinthe lock assembly is adapted to clamp around the spaced-apart portionsof the pet-securing region.
 45. The locking system according to claim44, wherein the lock assembly is adapted to bias together thespaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region to provide a frictionfit preventing translational movement.
 46. The locking system accordingto claim 45, further including a nesting surface structure on each ofthe spaced-apart portions of the pet-securing region.
 47. The lockingsystem according to claim 46, wherein the nesting surface structureincludes a plurality of interlocking protrusions.
 48. A locking systemfor pets, the locking system comprising: an elongate leash with apet-securing region and a handle region that includes a handle that isadapted to be held by a user and a body with a recoil mechanism that isadapted to selectively draw the leash into the body; a pet collar with alocking region adapted to engage the pet-securing region of the elongateleash; and a lock assembly having a locked and an unlockedconfiguration, wherein the lock assembly is adapted to secure thepet-securing region of the elongate leash to the locking region of thepet collar when the locking assembly is in the locked configuration, andfurther adapted to release the pet-securing region of the elongate leashfrom the locking region of the pet collar when the locking assembly isin the unlocked configuration, wherein the collar is adapted to be usedindependent of the leash when the pet-securing region of the leash isnot secured to the collar by the lock assembly, and wherein the lockassembly is further adapted to selectively secure the pet collar aroundthe pet independently of the leash.
 49. The locking system according toclaim 48, wherein the pet-securing region includes a coupling structureadapted to be removably interlocked to the pet collar.
 50. The lockingsystem according to claim 48, wherein the lock assembly furthercomprises a key structure adapted to cooperate with a key element whichenables the lock assembly to change from the locked to the unlockedconfiguration.
 51. The locking system according to claim 50, wherein thekey structure includes at least one tumbler adapted to cooperate withthe key element which enables the lock assembly to be selectivelychanged between the locked and unlocked configuration.
 52. The lockingsystem according to claim 50, wherein the key element of the keystructure is removable from the key structure.
 53. The locking systemaccording to claim 50, wherein the key structure further comprises aplurality of rotatable dials with indicia thereon and interior notchesthat, when aligned, place the lock assembly in the unlockedconfiguration.